Presidential Election writ issued; nominations on Aug 22, Polling Day on Sep 1
SINGAPOREANS will head to the ballot boxes on Sep 1 to vote for the country’s ninth President, if more than one person qualifies to run for the highest office in the land.
Nomination Day will take place at the People’s Association on Aug 22. If there is more than one candidate nominated, the Returning Officer Tan Meng Dui will declare Sep 1 as Polling Day. It will also be declared a public holiday.
The Elections Department announced the date on Friday (Aug 11) afternoon, after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued the Writ of Election.
Noting that a few individuals have already declared their intention to contest for the seat, PM Lee asked Singaporeans to listen to what each candidate has to say and “assess them and their views carefully”.
“The President represents all Singaporeans, and stands as a symbol of our unity and aspirations,” he said. “I hope everyone will vote wisely for the best candidate for this important role.”
To date, four people have announced their intention to contest the election to become the next head of state.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
They are former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, 66; former GIC chief investment officer Ng Kok Song, 75; Harvey Norman Ossia founder and businessman George Goh, 63; and former chief executive of NTUC Income Tan Kin Lian, 75.
Tan had submitted his presidential election forms in July, while both Goh and Ng submitted theirs last week.
Tharman submitted his papers on Monday morning.
SEE ALSO
Tharman officially launched his bid for the presidency on Jul 26. Founder and executive chairman of Banyan Tree Ho Kwon Ping and film director Royston Tan are among those who have thrown their support behind the former minister.
Goh revealed the panel of individuals who will support his presidency bid last Friday.
Among them are Matthew Fong Kum Fai, founder of flooring solutions provider The Mill International; Jack Lai, wheelchair basketball player and marathon racer; and Hajjah Roziah Adon, a hawker at Bedok Corner Food Centre.
His representatives said in a statement after the Writ was issued that he hopes the Presidential Elections Committee, which is tasked with issuing the Certificate of Eligibility, will make its decision on who can stand for the election “sooner rather than close to the deadline as this would help the eligible candidates prepare properly for the campaign”.
While Ng has not revealed his team of supporters – preferring to do so when he files his nomination papers on Nomination Day – former foreign minister George Yeo has said that he would be “honoured” to be one of Ng’s character references.
“(The issuance of the Writ) reminds us that the institution of the elected President is anchored in the Constitution of Singapore, and all our efforts should reflect the honour of the office,” said Ng.
Tan launched his second bid for presidency on Friday morning. He is being backed by former opponent Tan Jee Say and opposition party leader Lim Tean.
Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved.
